He is also taken by the idea of returning Milan to their former glory and is keen to see what he could do with the club’s contingent of young, up-and-coming players.

Conte likes that they have developed a core of young Italian players such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Andrea Conti, Davide Calabria and Alessio Romagnoli.

Gattuso is now in charge at AC Milan, though is not seen as a long-term option (Picture: Getty)

The fact that Milan are only seventh in Serie A, and likely to miss out on the Champions League, does not bother him either, though he would expect to be given serious funds to invest next summer.

Conte will wait for their financial situation to be resolved before committing, with the Chinese owners currently in the process of trying to refinance a loan from US hedge fund Elliott Management.

Ancelotti has also been linked Milan, but is waiting to see their financial situation (picture: Getty)

Carlo Ancelotti, who is also in the frame from the job, is also concerned about the finances at the club, meaning Gattuso will remain in charge until the situation is clearer.

Conte’s current deal at Chelsea expires in 2019 and he seems unlikely to sign an extension, having snubbed one over the summer (though did negotiate a pay rise), and he has also been linked with taking charge of the Italian national team again.